Horizon Scanning Researcher

We are currently looking for a Horizon Scanning Researcher to join our Innovation Accelerator and Regulatory Science Function within the Science, Research & Innovation group.

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.  We are also open to requests for flexible working, part-time and job shares. Please discuss this with the hiring manager before accepting an appointment.

Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.

We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly.

Who are we?

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.  

The Science, Research and Innovation Group delivers public health impact, world-leading research innovation, and a unique proposition via its Science Strategy. It is divided into 6 sub-Groups, Innovation Accelerator, Clinical Investigations and Trials, Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and Quality Assurance and Health & Safety. 

The Innovation Accelerator helps provide innovators access to MHRA scientific expertise and regulatory guidance, helping developers of innovative products (medicines, medical devices (including software) and blood components for transfusion) connect more dynamically with an enhanced advice and signposting service. It brings together the MHRA Innovation Office, the Regulatory Advice Service for Regenerative Medicines (RASRM), Regulatory Science and horizon scanning. It also leads for MHRA on the delivery of the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP) and Innovative Devices Access Pathway (IDAP).

What’s the role?

The role offers an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of healthcare innovation in the UK. This role will focus on supporting the Head of Horizon Scanning and Business Intelligence to develop and deliver the MHRA’s cross-cutting horizon scanning function.

The successful candidate will also have a key role in supporting the development of the new approach, refreshing processes, systems and governance for identifying emerging trends and helping to prioritize areas to increase impact; moving from information sharing to create a more effective mechanism determining which are actionable trends, when MHRA will act and in what capacity; either in a leading role or partnering with other regulators.

Key to the role’s success will be collaborating with technical experts across the MHRA, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the NHS and other organisations in the health eco system including the National Institute for Health and Care research (NIHR).

Key responsibilities:

• To support the delivery of futures and horizon scanning activities across MHRA, including emerging technology identification, scenario planning and analysis, and future trends identification. 

• To engage with and support senior stakeholders across MHRA through the provision of horizon scanning and market and technology insights to inform decisions about the MHRA activities. This will include providing insights and analytical findings from multiple sources to draw out timely and actionable insights to inform strategic priorities, decision-making and service improvements. 

• Developing and delivering appropriate outputs to communicate data, insight and recommendations (e.g., dashboards, reports, presentations, infographics) to meet the needs of stakeholders. This will include preparing and presenting high-quality briefing and policy documents, communicating complex issues into clear and concise policy recommendations, to advise Ministers and senior officials and support key decision making. 

• Working with Horizon Scanning Leads to provide strategic, evidence-based advice to internal stakeholders on horizon scanning and emerging trends in technology across the full range of MHRA’s remit. This will include supporting Head of Horizon Scanning in collaborating with colleagues across MHRA to identify, scope and design strategic research projects and engagement activity using a range research methodologies tailored to each brief. 

Who are we looking for?

Our successful candidate will have:

• Bachelor’s degree level in a scientific or analysis-related discipline, or equivalent professional experience

• Experience of data analysis within and innovation and research environment to support horizon scanning and/or business intelligence.

• Skills in data analysis and reporting

• Demonstrated Behaviour of ‘Seeing the Big Picture’

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification! 

Please note: The job description may not open in some internet browsers. Please use Chrome or Microsoft Edge. If you have any issue viewing the job description, please contact [email protected]

The selection process:

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here. 

• Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.

• Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of Seeing the Big Picture. 

Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description. 

Use of AI in Job Applications

Applicants must ensure that anything submitted is factually accurate and truthful. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible.

Closing date: 19 October 2025

Shortlisting date: W/C 20 October 2025

Interview date: W/C 27 October 2025

Candidates will be contacted within a week of the sift and the interviews completed to inform them of the outcome.

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact [email protected]

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here. 

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens

• Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings

• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required

• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. 

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact [email protected].

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should firstly contact Florentina Oyelami, Head of Talent Acquisition – [email protected].   

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk

[email protected]

Civil Service Commission 

Room G/8 

1 Horse Guards Road 

London 

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